By Jean S. HornerThe other day while walking down a corridor
in a public building, I saw what appeared to be someone walking toward
me. On coming closer, I found it was my own reflection in a huge mirror.
For a moment it frightened me. Somehow a full-length reflection of
one’s self is a startling thing. ...

Daily Boost

February 28, 2012 - A Royal Invitation

By Hilda Schnell

The long-awaited day has finally arrived. As royalty disembark in turn and reveal their finery, the Abbey holds its breath. Almost three decades have passed since the last grand occasion summoned its bells to ring with such unrestrained joy.

The red carpet. The thrilling fanfare of trumpets. The thunderous rumble of the organ and the pure voices of choirboys soaring in the nave. The beautiful young bride on the arm of her father. The eager prince waiting. The chic congregation singing the age-old anthem, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.” The traditional time-honored ceremony. The entourage of miniature groomsmen and ladies-in-waiting following the train of the wedding gown at a respectful distance.

Crowds jam the streets, flags waving wildly. Everyone jockeys for the best position to catch a glimpse of the royal couple and cheer as they pass by. After all, what a wonder to have a front-row seat to witness a real-life fairy tale … complete with an open coach drawn by four white horses!

But all of this pales in comparison with a more glorious royal wedding yet to come. Each of us has been invited to the nuptials: “Come, for everything is now ready” (Luke 14:17, NIV). The Bridegroom is none other than Jesus, the King of the universe. The bride is His Church, made up of people who have embraced Him as their Savior and Lord, and who love Him devotedly.

The red carpet of Jesus’ royalty is stained with His own atoning blood. Our great Shepherd knows those whose hearts truly belong to Him. “In that day they will say, ‘Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation’” (Isaiah 25:9).

Have you trusted in Jesus? Do you have the pleasure of walking with Him in the sunshine and the rain? At the end of your days, will He know you? (See Matthew 25:1-13.) Why not step into His coach for the ride of your life? It will take you out of this world to the kingdom of heaven — for all eternity.

— Hilda Schnell, a freelance copy editor and writer, lives in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, with her husband and son.